I was a reluctant Trump supporter (my endorsement column here), but as I observed his campaign evolve into a movement, and as his vision became more clear, my reluctance transitioned into excitement. And as I watched election night play out, and the aftermath in the following days, one cultural and political outcome has caught my attention and I am looking forward to seeing it unfold.

For the past eight years, the Presidential podium, supported by mainstream media and pop culture, has been used as a bully pulpit against those whose beliefs do not fall in line with Progressive ideology. The American people have been misled by false definitions of diversity, tolerance, equality, and justice as the average American has been silenced by unfounded accusations of racism, sexism, xenophobia, and homophobia.

Silenced until now.

What the Left has failed to embrace, in all of their grandstanding on diversity and tolerance, is diversity of ideology. This is clear as we all witness the shock and meltdown in response to Donald Trump’s win. It’s not a shock that the polls were wrong. It’s not a shock that Hillary Clinton turned out to be such a terrible candidate. It’s a shock that half of the country actually doesn’t agree with them. It’s a shock that the Democrats’ relentless attempt to use identity politics to divide and control us did not work this time. So, the Left’s response is to continue to try and use identity politics to divide us in the wake of Trump’s election.

But, diversity, to a nation that desperately needs to heal, must be about giving a voice to various ideological backgrounds, not just various racial, social, and cultural backgrounds.

In Trump’s 60 Minutes interview, his response to those who are now fearful is that “they just don’t know me.” I agree. Trump supporters and Trump protesters do not see the same Trump in two different ways, they see two different Trumps. The mainstream media was successful in one thing (and only one thing) in this election: making Donald Trump appear to be a monster. But the time for fear mongering is over and now it’s time to allow the President-elect, who promised to be a President for all Americans, to fulfill his promise.

So what does a President for all Americans look like?

- one who is looking out for the corporate CEO, whose role it is to create jobs and grow business, just as much as he is looking out for the unemployed individual looking for work

- one who is looking out for the Christian pastor or business owner whose religious beliefs prevent him/her from providing certain services, just as much as he is looking out for the gay couple whose right to be married has already been established

- one who is looking out for the protection of our borders and safety from terrorism, just as much as he is looking out for the immigrant family who has been working hard to be a valued part of their community

And so forth….

After years of such division, it is going to be a long and difficult road towards reconciliation. The knee-jerk claims of racism will continue, and the “build that wall” chants will go on. But, it is my sincere hope that, after the dust and fear settles, President Trump will continue his outreach to those who have historically been marginalized by the Republican Party and also, now that we can say it, to those who have been marginalized by the Progressive movement. , And under his leadership, I believe we have the potential to enter a new era of diversity. And it will be thrilling to be part of it.

Depression around holidays like Thanksgiving & Christmas are a common thing. Many people are reminded of loved ones no longer with us. For me Veterans Day is starting to fall into the same category. Time takes its toll; from the natural breakdown of age to trauma and tragedy, Veterans are a declining segment of our population.

There are stories; heartbreakingly wonderful completions of lives well lived. Peacefully passing while surrounded by loved ones sharing last conversations, prayers and embraces.

Tomorrow I will attend the funeral of my 87 year old Great Uncle Jack. A retired Lieutenant Colonel, a Veteran of the wars in Korea and Vietnam, a recipient of the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star with Valor. Beyond these descriptions he was a man with great love, deep faith, and incredible humor. He was someone we celebrated in life not just for what he had done as a Soldier, but because of who he was as a person. He passed surrounded by family- those he loved and who loved him.

There are the other stories of the alone, depressed, and overwhelmed. Their heartbreakingly tragic ends adding to mind boggling statistics. Another of approximately 22 Veteran suicides every day.

Just over two weeks ago my Facebook feed nearly knocked me to the floor. A former Soldier from my unit at Fort Drum and with whom I deployed to Afghanistan was ‘tagged’ in multiple “Rest in Peace” messages. I immediately reached out to others in the unit, and got the grim details. He had fallen onto hard times and into drug use. His ‘habit’ was intended to dull his physical and emotional pain- his overdose left the rest of us asking why, feeling guilty, and asking the questions ‘what could I have done to prevent this’ and ‘what if I reached out more often?’ He was not the first, but I pray he is the last.

There is no disrespect intended to those we have lost, and they are still Veterans that we can honor, but this holiday is intended for the living. For those who have served, and that stand as witnesses to the power capability and connection of our citizenry to the United States Military. To honor the unending formation of those who show love to country by putting themselves first in line to defend it.

Although the humble Citizen Soldiers among us usually do not want to be celebrated as individuals the recognition as a group is well deserved, and healthy. Veterans Day should be a reminder that there are great people among us, and all can aspire to it.

So to all those who have served and live as an example to others, thank you. To those carrying the burden of physical and mental scars there are thousands who want to help shoulder that weight. To those still fighting we look forward to your safe return. To all who support- you are appreciated.

As an Old School Guy, I enjoy holding and reading a newspaper. I just like the feel of it, I like seeing and reading everything, versus clicking on line, on selected sites, for my information. But now, the way most newspapers are, why bother? From Management down through editors and reporters, I see blatant liberal bias. It used to be that the Editorial page was reserved for commentary, but now it seems it is in every article. Reporters no longer report, they opine! And I can’t get a sports score of any game starting after 7 p.m.! Remember when papers made sure you got the results of the “late game?” Fat chance now.

When the front page lead story the other day, in the D & C, was about the city getting a “perfect 100 score” for how it treats the LBGTQ community, you have to wonder if any other news occurred that day, news that might have affected the other 99+% of our population?

I’d rather see stories on the city improving student graduation rates and test scores, but we don’t get those because our ineffective School Board keeps getting re-elected.

I’d like to read stories about our area and our country getting new leadership, people that can actually get things done and bring improved change, like Mark Assini and Donald Trump, but the D & C has, and continues to endorse people like Louise Slaughter and Hillary Clinton, who are a big part of the reasons for all the problems we have, and not the solution.

Even today, the D & C front page touts it’s liberal debate analysis: “Trump continues being obstinate, provocative.” Most people I know would rather it said, “Hillary continues lying, being deceitful, and untrustworthy.” I watched the debate, and your coverage, along with Gannett’s, was slanted for Hillary, period!

And don’t get me started on TV media! The anti-Trump coverage is appalling. The real “bad hombre” here is the Democratic party, whose committee, like it’s candidate, manipulates and cheats the system. I cite the factual proof, now public, on how they rigged their selection process against Bernie Sanders, and how they plotted and caused the violence and disruption at Trump’s rallies, reminiscent of Nixon’s dirty tricks campaigns. Is the media really in favor of more Clinton scandals? Haven’t we had enough?

It is no wonder that the American people hold the media in such low regard, their approval rating barely above the lowly ranked Congress. Our media dwells on politically incorrect language, rather than criminal law breaking actions. And when I continually have to read your liberal bias, it bothers me, and many other people I talk to, everywhere I go, who are fed up with it. You are supposed to be the “Fourth Estate,” the bastion of free speech and unbiased factual reporting. Get off your soap box!

When Donald Trump defies the poll numbers you’ve been feeding us, on November 8th, I hope you will accurately report the results of the American public rejecting the lies, the deceit, and the “all talk/no action” Democratic party, and instead choosing the change in leadership we so desperately need to improve this country.

Here we go again, as our liberal media and liberal pundits try to influence American politics, getting overly upset about words spoken by Donald Trump over a decade ago, in a private conversation. I am not condoning it, but men demean women and women demean men every day in America, so let’s not act like this is some new revelation.

I am sick of the liberal bias here, over-sensationalizing this error in judgment by Trump 11 years ago. Every person I know has said things they would not want broadcast to the nation. He screwed up, he apologized, move on. I am much more upset and angry about Hillary Clinton’s actions than I am about Trump’s arrogant locker room banter. Getting our boys killed in Benghazi by not responding to requests for more security, taking money for her foundation from foreign countries in return for an audience with her as Secretary of State, mishandling classified documents and willfully destroying 33,000 E-Mails after being subpoenaed - these “criminal” ACTIONS are much worse than bad words! Consistently lying to us, deceiving us, deeming us “deplorable and irredeemable” – all much more worrisome to me than Trump’s words!

And if the media persists with going back 11 years, digging up personal conversations, let’s resurrect Hillary’s actions, as a lawyer, defending a rapist of a 12 year old girl, putting her through hell, and then casually laughing with colleagues after trying to get this reprehensible character cleared of the heinous charges. Where is your liberal outrage there? Insider trading in Arkansas, stealing White House furniture and paintings that she had to return, personally attacking women that her husband sexually abused, where is your liberal outrage at HER character flaws?

Get off your high horse liberal media! We are sick of your slanted bias! Scrutinize Hillary as you do Trump. Tell us why the many millions of us don’t want her as President either. Neither one of them appears very “Presidential” lately. Just please do some fair and balanced reporting, and let America decide which of these two less than ideal candidates, unfortunately, will run our country and hopefully change things for the better. But it is America, not the media, who should decide if they want that change, with Trump, or more of the same, with Hillary.

In the aftermath of a very entertaining first Presidential debate, it’s nice to know that Secretary Clinton’s end-of-debate grenade, where she pulled out the tiresome and predictable gender card, has captured the attention of social media and water cooler conversations throughout the week.

Because if you don’t have an original thought, and your career is plagued with scandal and corruption, it is always a safe bet to make it the big bad man’s fault.

Yes, women get interrupted at work. So do men. So do bosses. So do subordinates. So does everyone who has had a job in their life…or, a conversation. It’s not about gender, it’s about the person doing the interrupting, whatever gender they are (because don’t tell anyone, but women interrupt people too!).

We all knew this debate was designed, by question and procedure, to prevent Secretary Clinton from further tanking in the polls. It worked. She was poised, articulate, and steadily kept on target with the same Progressive rhetoric she has always preached about (plus the new material she picked up since trying to compete with Mr. Trump). But not once was she asked to answer for her tainted past, either politically or personally, despite the fact that Mr. Trump was asked multiple questions about such things.

So was she not offered all of the luxuries of softball questions and a blind eye to her controversial past that she, as a woman, “deserved”? Was the gift of a first-debate win handed to her on a silver platter not enough to satisfy all of the gender saviors who felt it was not only unkind, but reflective of all women in the workplace who have had to deal with, God forbid, being interrupted from time to time?

It is more troubling to observe the female Presidential candidate being preserved from answering to the really tough questions, only to end the debate untouched by reality. It implies that the moderator, as a representative of many of her supporters, felt that she could not handle it.

Being interrupted is part of being a grown-up and dealing with people. But as a woman, I would find it far more condescending to be so delicately treated that I am left to assume my intellectual strength can’t hold up in a reasonably balanced debate.

I love watching documentaries because they both inform me and motivate my passions. However, some are more difficult for me to watch than others; director Kirby Dick’s two most recent Oscar-nominated documentaries, The Invisible War and The Hunting Ground, focused on the lack of safety offered to women and the ways that justice is rarely available. The films are a tragic reminder that violence against women is pervasive in our nation.

According to the Violence Policy Center, 3 women are murdered every day in our country. Imagine for a moment if terrorists arrived in our country and started randomly selecting 3 woman to murder every day. Our country would be in an uproar. There would be congressional hearings, massive amounts of funding put forward and various criminal justice interventions to prevent the killings and yet because these murders are committed by Americans there is no national outrage. (It often seems like the most common time for American widespread anger about the killing of women is when religious “honor killings” are committed.)

Furthermore, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention asserts that one in five American women has been raped in their lifetime. During my freshman year of college, I was assaulted. A few days after the assault I relayed the details to my college advisor. My advisor told me that she was not surprised at all knowing the perpetrator and how he spoke about women in class. She also told me not to report the crime because he was a popular athlete and reporting would make my life at the school very challenging. I don’t know if she was protecting the school in giving this advice. I really believe she was doing the best she could to protect me. As we’ve seen in the news, raping an unconscious woman with two witnesses who detain you, a plethora of physical evidence and a guilty verdict still only result in three months in jail when you have status.

As a female, there is so much I have to think about to protect myself from violence. From being vigilant when walking to my car at night to watching the bartender pour my drink directly to being aware of and moving quickly away from men who follow me to my car or home. It’s infuriating that as a woman I have to live my life with constant awareness of my safety.

My need to always be on guard is unfortunately so common for women. It’s exhausting and yet what we must deal with on a daily basis to keep ourselves safe. Yet, presidential candidates are not being asked questions around the issue of persistent violence that impacts half of our population even in an election year when two major party candidates are female.

I carry no shame for what happened to me. The shame primarily belongs to my perpetrator. However, additional responsibility must be applied to a system that allows this violence to continue. It is very difficult to come forward with an expectation that prosecution will happen fairly and without the victim being blamed. The only change that I can make is to come forward and share my experience. It is time that we hold political leaders and the current presidential campaigns accountable for addressing a national epidemic of violence against women. Our media also has a special responsibility to vigorously pursue realistic answers and solutions from our leaders regarding this violence. This election must be a mandate to finally value the lives of women and allow our voices to be heard. I will no longer remain silent.

15 years ago I was waiting on the biggest credit card bill of my life. In the past month the transmission on my car exploded, and I had spent three weeks in hotels. My life as a new Second Lieutenant in the Army was full of travel and training. It had taken its toll on my car, and on my wallet.

Tuesday, September 11, 2001 was day 2 of jump week for me in Airborne School at FT Benning Georgia. Sharing the ‘chute shack’ with approximately 300 other Soldier-students is a unique experience, but being turned around after uncomfortably waddling 150 yards to our C-130 with a parachute on my back was even more unique. We dismissed it as a maintenance issue until it was clear the entire class returned; not just those headed for the open ramp of our airplane. Shortly after our instructors called the class leadership forward, and gave us what details they could. My heart was full of concern for friends, and family working in lower Manhattan. My brain raced over the possibilities of what the future held; looking back, I wasn’t even close.

‘Never forget’ is the most common theme of the 9-11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks. Although 15 years sounds like a long time, it really isn’t. Many people, myself included, have many memories of that day and many before it. Most of the children born in 2001 are just starting their second year of high school. They are in that middle phase of adolescence. Far from toddlers, but still not yet into adulthood; they are the high school Sophomores, a word which comes from the Greek for wise & fool. A little tongue-in-cheek academic humor describing the confidence with their own experience; however, much experience left to gain.

I feel that analogy to today is appropriate. We are still learning. Our post 9-11 knowledge is not new, but also does not seem to have matured from what we saw in the days following the attack. We came together in that time; yet the country seems so polarized today.

Since that tragic day who does the word sophomoric define? Has the mixing of political rhetoric with fluid policy created this environment where the word ‘hate’ is so liberally used as a description in politics? Have we forgotten that we saw true hate manifested in the actions of the 19 hijackers, the faces of the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and Osama bin Laden. Why are we marginalizing what we know to be real hate; violence against those guilty of nothing but being American, by allowing it to be used in political rhetoric? To me that answer seems uncomfortably simple. It’s easier to silence dissenting voices versus understanding the constructive elements of the opposition’s criticism.

So now on the 15th anniversary of that terrible day the call of ‘never forget’ should ring louder. All Americans should stand together proclaiming our founding principles; equality under God, and our inalienable rights to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We should illustrate the contrast from politicians and those shouting ‘death to America’ or defining any group as subhuman. We should remember those horrific acts of violence, and condemn the flawed ideology behind them.

Shake off the political rhetoric, focus on principles, and stand together defending them. Honor the bravery of those who fought to stop the hijackers on Flight 93, of those in the towers, The Pentagon, and those who have given their lives in our military actions since.

You know, I was pretty upset when I first heard about this whole Colin Kaepernick issue, not respecting the National Anthem, making a political statement, etc. Personally, I like football players to play football, and I don’t really care what their politics or feelings are, similar to celebrities. Who cares what they feel, they are paid to entertain us, not get on a soap box and espouse their views on issues.

Then I started thinking about my youth and how I ended up admiring Muhammad Ali so much, and I reluctantly decided to give Kaepernick a break, because, after all, he was exercising his free will as a citizen, making people talk, opening up dialogue, and raising awareness on the issue of police brutality that bothers some people (even though the vast overwhelming majority of Police Officers are good cops).

And THEN I heard about his SOCKS! Socks that he has worn in the past. Socks that depict Police Officers as pigs. Actually, the socks show cartoon images of pigs wearing Police uniforms. So Colin lost me for good right there. The utter disrespect he shows for the men in Police uniform with that action choice is shameful. He has lost all credibility with me, and his stand on any issue he was raising is now moot.

So I will now exercise my right as a sports fan, to root for any team that plays against Colin, and especially any defensive player who will rush him. And I will root for that opposing player to knock the stuffing out of this disrespectful jerk! It is my prerogative as a citizen. Hopefully, too, he will play so poorly, and continue to decline in his skillset, as he has in recent years, that the Forty-Niners will cut him and we won’t have to listen to his political views on issues anymore!

After almost two years without a permanent leader and after a national search, the Rochester Housing Authority started a new executive director, John Hill, this past Monday. As you may recall, the firing of Alex Castro as executive director and the subsequent swift hiring of Adam McFadden garnered public criticism and subsequently resulted in Adam McFadden stepping down from the position.

A quick Google search finds troubling information with John Hill’s previous employment in Las Vegas. According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, several complaints from female employees were filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission this year. According to the Review Journal article, a 2014 gender discrimination investigation recommended that Hill take “an intensive course on the prevention of harassment and discrimination as well as a cultural sensitivity course.” The article further claims that John Hill inappropriately submitted proof of attending the recommended training by submitting a CD training he received before the actual gender discrimination investigation. http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas/housing-authority-leader-may-be-out-job-soon

An editorial from the Las Vegas Review Journal titled “Southern Nevada Housing Authority Director has to Go” claimed that serious issues dogged John Hill including a $47,000 OSHA fine that he did not bring to the board’s attention for 6 months. The editorial raises additional issues under John Hill’s tenure including bills not being paid that resulted in a loss of credit and implementing required furloughs and pay decreases for staff while at the same time securing a raise in pay for himself. http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/jane-ann-morrison/southern-nevada-housing-authority-director-has-go

Consequently, John Hill’s contract was terminated two years early.

The Rochester Housing Authority provides an important service to our community members. It is also a taxpayer-funded organization that must be accountable to the public. Community members and the media must ask what the board knew about John Hill’s previous issues with his employer before hiring him. Does this board take gender discrimination seriously? In light of serious allegations with his last employer, how does RHA plan to mitigate and ensure these issues do not occur in Rochester? Also, if issues of gender discrimination occur again how will subordinates of John Hill be protected and what will the reporting process be? Finally, why did the board decide to take on the financial, legal and credibility risk of hiring someone who has documented serious issues in his last employment and whose local paper called for his termination? The public and the people who utilize RHA services deserve answers.

It’s a game intended for children, based off of the cartoons and trading cards from the late 90′s. It’s a ridiculous premise based on a fantasy world that does not exist.

It’s wildly popular.

Not just with kids but with young adults seeking Generation Y childhood nostalgia.

In everything I just described the most offensive part of the game is that generation Y actually has nostalgia. To the curmudgeons out there with me; regardless of what side you are on, turn up the Jethro Tull a little louder. The train of ranting won’t slow down, and I’m about to disagree with the actions of Irondequoit town supervisor David Seeley.

Mr. Seeley recently contacted Niantic- The developers of Pokémon Go, and requested they shut down three gaming locations at the mouth of the Irondequoit Bay near Seabreeze. He cited public Safety and complaints from the Seabreeze Fire Chief, local residents, and business owners.

My disagreement is not with anyone that had a complaint and contacted the town- that’s a benefit of being a tax payer. What I can’t wrap my head around is the knee-jerk reaction by the town to shut it down.

First off anyone that expects the Seabreeze area not to be congested during summer months is naive. The Amusement Park marketing is “come get your summer.” The area is jam-packed on every nice day between the start of June end of August.

Second, traffic is a legitimate concern. This does seem to be right in the wheelhouse of the town government and our local police force. However, if this was the case why wasn’t the first reaction stationing one of IPD’s finest there to issue worthy traffic tickets? Calling our resources stretched implies budgetary shortfalls, and by implication- that the issues were not worth the overtime cost. In other words- nothing so terrible happened that real money needs to be spent. Regardless, I am sure someone writing tickets at the going rate could be turned into a profit center- or at worst case budget neutral. Let’s do the math… If one ticket could be issued every 12 minutes that is five tickets an hour at; let’s assume, $100 per ticket. To me $500/hour sounds like a high end legal rate- not a town revenue multiplier. I’m sure some of our other suburban supervisors would salivate at that opportunity especially when enforcement times could be targeted via the timing of alleged complaints.

Playing devils advocate- let’s say that argument is moot because that area is County Sheriff responsibility not Town of Irondequoit. If that is the case; then what authority does the town have to shut down a game being played on County property? Wouldn’t the right course of action be to highlight and address that gap in enforcement at the county level? A quick scan of recent editions of the D&C could give you a wealth of information to pursue that direction.

Third- after this hubbub started I decided to take a look myself. I brought my family to Bill Gray’s for dinner, and followed with frozen custard at Don’s Original. There were hundreds of people doing the same- enjoying time with family; children in tow, or vice versa on the towing. It was relatively peaceful, there were no issues, and a lot of food was sold. I did see many people staring at their phones- apparently playing Pokémon Go. Many of them were not children… So let me refer you to my curmudgeon comment above about Generation Y, but more importantly pay them a quick complement. They were in on chairs and at the picnic tables in the Seneca path area specifically designed for groups to congregate. Some seemed awkward and maybe even nerdy- but not threatening.

Fourth- school starts in about three weeks. There is a very good chance this problem will resolve itself by then. Did the town really need to get involved to the extent that they did, and could it have negative economic impact in the off months?

Finally beyond these surface discussions we need to address a bigger issue. Is the nanny state mentality clearly at work in Albany creeping to a local level? As citizens of New York State we are prevented from buying liquor in grocery stores, and participating in ride-sharing opportunities like Uber or Lyft. Our legal gun owners are ‘protected’ from themselves through the SAFE act. Only recently can our communities host MMA events, but with such regulation it’s unlikely to occur. Last but not least we’re still prevented from online fantasy sports competitions like Fan Duel. It’s very clear that Albany likes to micromanage. Apparently that same mentality is an example the Irondequoit Town leadership wants to follow.

Us old white guys just don’t get it! That’s what we’ve been told by the millennials, the X-generation, our wives, our kids, our girlfriends, and most anyone we might engage in conversation. We are Dinosaurs, old crotchety curmudgeons who are mostly conservative, mostly retired, taxpaying, patriotic Americans who just don’t get it!

So please excuse us if we get upset with all the political correctness going on, and get upset when people, any color, don’t listen to and do what the police tell them to do, and get upset at what our grandkids might encounter when they go into a bathroom nowadays. We are old school, sorry.

We were wondering why yesterday’s Democrat and Chronicle ran a cover story, “Searching for LGBTQ Landmarks.” We wondered, is anybody REALLY searching? Does any meaningful percentage of the population want such “Significant places to be documented?” We were treated on the Front Page to a quarter page picture from 1963 where “the gay community gathered for nightlife.” My buddies and I had no idea. We thought that a picture and article on old, balding, slightly overweight former jocks who still play softball might actually be more appealing to a larger percentage of the local population (Rochester is a hotbed for Senior Softball), but, what do we know?

And then we discussed the Editorial page, and the lead Editorial which said the Whitehouse is advancing a new “glossary of suggested language,” regarding drug users, which recommends saying “actively using” instead of “dirty,” and, rather than call a person a ”drug addict,” you should refer to them as a “person with a serious substance abuse disorder.” Political correctness run amok!

If it’s not bad enough we have to constantly read the liberal “truth challenged” words on the Editorial pages of Leonard Pitts, Dana Milbank, and Connie Schultz (talk about people with chips on their shoulder), we are now no longer allowed to call a spade a spade, tell it like it is, or have a local paper that doesn’t kow-tow to the liberal left minority.

My generation will be gone in a few decades, so you won’t have to put up with us and our old fashioned beliefs much longer. We just don’t get it. But we remember a happier, less complex America, where the majority of people were not lectured and scolded by small minorities of people imposing their beliefs and political correctness on us.

About 100 years ago Rochester was a modern day Silicon Valley equivalent for optics and machining. Those wishing to be close to George Eastman and hoping proximity would yield benefit were too many to be counted. Although that may sound naive or overly opportunistic by today’s standards; look at it through a lens that reduces today’s speed of light communication to an Erie canal barge, or horseback. It also started well before Kodak was the business giant that became synonymous with Rochester, NY.

Even today- proximity matters. We still have regional hubs of business expertise. Take a poll of existing students- anyone studying finance would kill for an opportunity in New York City, the same is true for software in Silicon Valley, marketing in LA, and energy in Texas. They aren’t the only places for those jobs, but they are still associated with their localized knowledge. So in our world of remote access around the world at any time; the old philosophy of physical proximity still plays an important role.

One hundred and even two hundred years ago- that great mass yearning for success through osmosis, or starting over somewhere new, contained a great deal of intelligence and opportunity. In a country built on the promise of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness Rochester was the wild frontier of the business world, and those seeking more. Some of that talent on the frontier found success, and decided to call Rochester home. Within a few short generations their descendants helped set the stage and continued that entrepreneurial spirit. One of these ‘new locals’ was Edmund Lyon.

There is a park named for Edmund Lyon in East Rochester. It’s tucked between Commercial Street, and 31F; not a high traffic area, but the neighbors enjoy it. Many walk their dogs, or stretch out in the sun on warm days; there are occasional softball games. I’ve been there a handful of times. Not unlike many landmarks named for men and women of the past- it was difficult to find people that knew of the man for which it was named. Fortunately for me I have a grandmother who loves local history and researching our family tree. For us- Edmund Lyon intersects both.

Edmond’s parents owned a farm in the current Culver & East Main Street Area. He was educated locally and graduated from the University of Rochester with honors in 1877. He followed with a law degree from Columbia in New York City upon which he returned to Rochester. His intellectual talents impressed his uncle of the same name who was a business owner focused on milling, dry goods and Erie Canal trade. What he saw in his nephew was a mix of talent and family pride. More importantly as his health declined; he saw the competence and ability needed to successfully continue the business and support his family. Edmund the younger did not disappoint, from managing the existing business interests, supporting his aunt, tinkering in mechanics, and his charitable passions with the deaf- Edmond found success in all endeavors, and left a legacy Rochester should be proud of as well.

Edmund was well educated, had a great imagination, and was not afraid to get his hands dirty when needed. He had gift for mechanical design. He patented a series of items including a locomotive turntable, and an automobile starter which bypassed the use of a hand crank. His ‘starter device’ ensured the success of the Northeast Electric Company which eventually became the Delco division of General Motors. It was rumored that Edmund’s starter was presented to, and quickly rejected by Henry Ford. However it was later embraced by Dodge, and helped to vault their cars into the national spotlight.

Edmund’s success put him on a level playing field with other local ‘captains of industry,’ and allowed him to focus on philanthropic work with the deaf. He volunteered as a teacher and started to study the development of speech as opposed to the structure of our written language. Through this approach Edmund created a phonetically based sign language ‘The Lyon Phonetic Manual’ which was highly regarded, and used around the world.

In doing so he became connected to some of the most philanthropic, and brilliant minds on the planet. One of which was Alexander Graham Bell who’s work with the deaf inspired his work on and invention of the telephone. Lesser known is that Alexander Graham Bell’s wife Mabel was deaf and his interest in treatment and communication continued through the he rest of his life. He became interested in Edmund’s phonetic based sign language, and his work with the deaf. Specifically the school he helped found with Mr. and Mrs. Gilman Perkins- today’s Rochester School for the Deaf.

Edmund’s work earned him the position of Secretary of the State Board of Charities; however he continued to invent, constantly looking to better those around him. After hearing the story of Helen Keller he invented a device which could allow the blind to write in a form of modified script by keeping the writing instrument level and consistent across the page. With her as his inspiration he completed the device, and presented Helen Keller with the first model when she visited the Rochester School for the Deaf. She was so happy and impressed, they became life long friends. Even after his death in 1922 she stayed in contact with his family.

Another of Edmund’s local contacts was a second generation owner of the Gleason works. A female engineer breaking gender barriers a century ahead of her time- Kate Gleason. As relative neighbors on East Avenue Kate, and Edmond established a relationship on mutual professional admiration.

Edmund was was highly regarded as an expert in many things and was often consulted from topics ranging from business to planning concerns as Rochester grew he was still an engineer and inventor at heart. His ideas regarding mechanics as well as his consulting in other areas blended well with Kate’s ideas to create an engineering empire. Her goal was to spread The Gleason Works gear cutters and the machines that made other machines around the world; she earned Edmund’s respect.

As it was nearly one hundred years ago- conversations and details of interaction are difficult to pin on exact cause and effect. However, when discussing city planning issues and plans for routes north there are accounts that Edmund was adamant that the current Saint Paul Boulevard be wider than the existing city roads; the current East and Chili Avenues. Not many reasons are given, but knowing his experience with Kate Gleason; understanding the scale of future machines and their export to Europe via the Saint Lawrence Seaway, and its importance to our economy- it is very possible it impacted his decisions on city planning going forward.

There is one more quite charming connection between Edmund Lyon and Kate Gleason worthy of note. Another of Edmund’s enterprises, ‘The Vanderbilt Improvement Company’ was instrumental in the inception of East Rochester. It acquired funds from the Vanderbilt family for infrastructure and construction work, where a satellite community could be established with transportation available for Rochester factory workers. Edmund’s work ensured those factory workers in East Rochester; many of whom worked for Gleason, had running water and working sewers. In 1916 Kate Gleason donated land tucked between Commercial Street and 31F for a park in East Rochester that many suggested should be named for her. She insisted that it was named to honor Edmond Lyon.

As we often see in history there are lessons. In this case I see a blueprint. There are many talented, and intelligent people in this community. Those with ideas that can build on each other’s, and generate more benefit than simply the sum of their parts. We need leadership, and a shared vision for our future that is based in the long term health of our community. It’s time to take a deeper look at Rochester’s history and why it is so impressive.

The example of this segment of a story; about one impressive man, a quiet professional and the connections he made over one hundred years ago is just one portion of our past. We need it to balance the pent up frustration of our more recent past, and to re-focus it into something productive given the lens of our greater history.

We rush to judgment when we first hear the news. We judge whether the killing was justified or whether it was a case of police brutality. We judge the dead. We judge the living. We judge our friends for how they respond. We judge the media for how it presents the story.

But we don’t judge ourselves. We don’t question whether or not we are being too quick to accuse a police officer of being racist, and thus perpetuating a narrative that may not be accurate. We don’t question whether or not we are allowing our own stereotypes of people of color to tell us if they “deserved” what happened, thus perpetuating racism in its most natural form. We don’t question if our relentless demand for accountability is inspiring misguided minds to inflict violence.

We are the problem. We have lost our way. And we must look in the right direction to get us back.

The solution is slow and gradual, as most solutions are when the problem contains such depth. As a Christian, I believe it begins with renewed faith of the individual believer and a renewed answer to the call of the Church. After all, the Gospel of Christianity is the reconciliation of creation to its Creator. None of us deserve grace and forgiveness, and yet it is extended to us anyway. And as we receive said grace, God works through us to bestow it on others.

But, simply stating “the Church is the answer” is not enough. Consider two perspectives, both from the racially embattled times of the 1960s.

First, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work was almost entirely supported by the Church, primarily the Black Church. His eloquence on matters of Christianity and justice, let alone his character, was fruit of a deeply profound faith in God. If the essence of Christianity is reconciliation of Mankind to God, MLK Jr.’s goal was to get there through racial reconciliation. Although his efforts were largely interpersonal and systemic, his focus was constantly on his Savior, which is something we see very little of in the culture of today’s justice campaigns. King’s widely read “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” is an appeal to the Church, specifically, the white church, for support: “So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status quo.”

Second, in Charles Marsh’s book “The Last Days: A Son’s Story of Sin and Segregation at the Dawn of the New South”, he describes his experience as the son of a (white) Christian pastor in Laurel, Mississippi during the 1960s and the Church’s response to the chaos:

(quoting his father) “’There is no justification for what we did to the Negro. It was an evil thing and we were wrong.’ Nevertheless, the work of the Lord lay elsewhere….

But the daily installments of Mississippi burning, the crushing poverty of the town’s Negro inhabitants, the rituals of white supremacy…did not figure into his sermons or in our dinner table conversations or in the talk of the church. These were, to a good Baptist preacher like him, finally matters of politics, having little or nothing to do with the spiritual geography of a pilgrim’s journey to paradise.”

He also goes on to talk about how the social activists coming in were condemned by his father as hypocrites for doing works of justice without believing in God. But, if the church wasn’t doing the work, then someone had to, right?

In his book “When Helping Hurts”, Brian Fikkert talks about Marsh’s book, and the environment created by the churches of the south: “Reverend Marsh sought the King without the Kingdom. The civil rights workers sought the Kingdom without the King.” What a convicting statement for us to digest today.

We all seem to desire unity, and yet the differences in how we as the church approach how we get there are what hold us back from further progress. On one side are Christians who prioritize our church attendance and Godly living over evangelical and social action, and on the other side are Christians who put our faith in our actions instead of our God, creating a savior complex, and leaving the interpretation of Scripture to whatever makes us feel good. Are we guilty of leaning towards the “king without the kingdom” or the “kingdom without the king”?

If the church’s role is to be the channel through which God’s work of reconciliation happens, then the fact that Sunday morning is the most racially segregated time of the week in America is extremely problematic. Bridging that divide is a mere starting point towards the church leading the way towards racial reconciliation. Fortunately, in our wonderful community, we have several examples to learn from.

Churches like The Father’s House, Faith Temple, and Joy Community are just a few examples of churches who gather naturally diverse congregations. And two other churches are making modest but intentional efforts at bridging racial gaps. Artisan Church (predominantly white) and Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church (predominantly black) have combined their Sunday services three times over the past couple of years and are planning more services, as well as some in-depth conversations to deepen their relationship. This is perhaps one of the most effective paths towards racial reconciliation that is being practiced in our area. What an example all these churches are to other churches who desire to be part of the solution.

Be encouraged. In the midst of such deep sadness and division, God is still working. In our churches, in our country, in each of us.

MLK Jr. asked “Is organized religion too inextricably bound to the status quo to save our nation and the world?” I say it is not. Not yet, anyway. And may these tragic displays of social unrest ignite a renewed fire in the church to unite. And to answer its call.

This past Wednesday I had the great honor of being invited to a Military Change of Command ceremony.

Our local U.S. Army recruiting company was transitioned from
Captain Joe Geiger to Captain Kate Murray.

Although relatively small; with respect to size, the formality of the ceremony contrasted to the day-to-day happenings along the banks of the Genesee River.

A handful of lunch hour runners, and others just out for some fresh air were curious observers to the formation of 31 Soldiers. Out front 1 First Sergeant and 3 officers deliberately passed the company guidon clockwise through the officers and back to the First Sergeant.

This quick formality was executed while the significance of each move was narrated by a man at a podium. The symbolic gestures around the transition of authority and responsibility for the unit.

To the casual observers not much occurred. A strange flag was passed between people- some saluting happened- words were said. However, a great deal of work went into that moment.

For Captain Geiger two years of service here in Rochester. Over four hundred of this area’s best and brightest entering service in the US Army. Years prior he spent time in Field Artillery units and deployed to Afghanistan.

For the incoming Captain Murray nine years since her commissioning with successful completion of her precious assignments since; including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and an assignment at the Pentagon.

I truly enjoyed the contrast of the moment. I had never attended a change of command ceremony off of a military installation. They are usually held in a large parade field with a General’s viewing box and bleacher seating for observers. The location of this ceremony; tucked behind a man-made berm in Corn Hill, was one with our Rochester community. It made me think of the Stephen Ambrose book, Citizen Soldiers.

In the current day- all volunteer fighting force, Soldiers are members of society. It’s a reminder that those around you every day may have served, or may currently be serving. What extraordinary tales of heroism might we hear if we had the time to spend with those we walk past on the street. Who did you silently share an elevator with today? How many people hidden in plain sight have led extraordinary lives?

It’s an interesting aspect of life in America- and not something we should shy away from. We all come from different backgrounds, and have different experiences. Through these differences that many focus on; we still share a great connection. Our shared experience though not perfect is the best the world has figured out, and worth the effort to sustain.

The last point from Captain Geiger’s farewell remarks were simple yet powerful. We should be thankful. Thankful that our problems are first world problems- that locking your keys in your car means you have a car. Getting bad service at a restaurant still means that you ate. That a busy day at work means you’re employed.

There are billions that are jealous of our ‘problems’ because they come with the opportunity of living here in America. “The land of the free because of the brave.”

Happy Independence Day, Congrats to Captain Geiger on stepping away from active duty, and to Captain Murray on assuming command of a great unit!

On the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, I went to my company’s pharmacy to refill my asthma medicine, Advair. My company insurance requires me to go there first. The pharmacy was out of my medication. Because of the long Memorial Day weekend, I would have to wait five days until Tuesday without my medicine. They sent my prescription to the nearest Wegmans.
I went to the Wegmans pharmacy, not knowing that a long ordeal awaited me. Excellus refused to approve my refill at the Wegmans pharmacy, because I am supposed to get prescriptions refilled through my company. Without insurance, my asthma medication would cost nearly $400. The Wegmans pharmacy tech was clear in explaining the situation to the Excellus rep on the phone. She informed the rep that without this life-saving asthma medication, I could die. The technician asked to speak to a manager. The Excellus rep denied her request and said no one was available to speak to her. The rep told her they would give her a call back and hung up on her.

As typical of Wegmans staff, the pharmacist was wonderful. He came over to me and said that was the worst customer service he had ever experienced, and he works with insurance companies all day long. He suggested I try calling Excellus. The first rep said that I had a great reason to have my prescription filled elsewhere and that it shouldn’t be a problem. It wasn’t her call; she needed to escalate my case. The next person reiterated that I couldn’t have my prescription filled at Wegmans. The scariest thing that came out of the conversation was that if I had an asthma attack without the medication, Excellus would cover that care. Still, they refused to override policy to allow the medication I needed to prevent the attack in the first place. The rep said she needed to look into my case further and get approval and would call me back.

I waited at Wegmans pharmacy for about four hours hoping someone would call back. Neither Wegmans nor I had our phone calls returned. I called again and spoke with a sympathetic rep who explained that I should have received a call back. The rep told me again that Excellus would not override the rules to cover my prescription.
I went to explain to the Wegmans pharmacy tech that I would not be picking my Advair up that day. I did not mean to start crying as I explained this to the poor Wegmans worker who had worked so hard on my behalf. I cried out of frustration and because the $400 list price of my medication was too much of a burden on my household to bear. The rep also had tears in her eyes. Her empathy for me was palpable and moving. A few minutes before, the Wegmans pharmacist even came over to me and gave me a hug.

I decided as the day progressed to document my ordeal through Facebook. The social media responses I received were overwhelmingly kind and generous. People messaged me who were willing to share their meds with me to get me through the long weekend. One person even offered to drive up from the Carolinas to share asthma meds.

While I received these offers of help, friends also shared insurance horror stories with me. One friend told me about how she needed pre-approval for a neurological test. She scheduled the test after receiving the approval letter from Excellus. Once the test was done, Excellus denied payment. Excellus told her that she shouldn’t have assumed that the approval letter they sent her, which stated that they approved her test, actually meant that they approved it. I’m not an insurance expert but I would also assume an approval letter meant approval.
So, how does my story end? Did I get my meds? Thanks to social media, I did. I tagged Excellus in my public post and a member of Excellus’s social media team contacted me through my Facebook page the next day. (It probably didn’t hurt that I mentioned this experience would make a good D&C editorial post). An hour after that message, a friendly Excellus rep called to tell me that Excellus approved the override for my medication.

As I thought about it, I couldn’t help comparing my customer experiences between Wegmans and Excellus. The Wegmans staff went above and beyond their job duties to try to help me. While being patient, empathetic, and kind, they were also tenacious in advocating on my behalf. What if insurance companies acted more like Wegmans and didn’t assume the people who paid insurance premiums were trying to rip them off? What if they returned phone calls and tried to use common sense to make medication approval decisions? The truth is, Excellus was much better off paying for medication instead of paying for an expensive emergency room visit and ambulance ride. What if they did the right thing right away instead of being shamed into it by social media? And what options do people have who don’t have the social media access I had, if they find themselves in my situation?

Editorial Board

I am a lifelong reader of the D&C, so I’m particularly honored to lend my voice to the Editorial Board. As a registered conservative and strong advocate of free market economics, it is likely that I will bring an alternate view to the discussion, so I applaud the D&C for asking me aboard.

My passion about economics and politics first emanated from our family dinner-table discussions growing up in Brighton, where no topic was off limits. After graduating from Brighton High School and then from Middlebury College as an economics major, I started my career with Case Hoyt, a once nationally recognized printing company based in Rochester. I relocated to Philadelphia, Washington and then Boston to attend Harvard Business School before happily moving back home just as my wife and I were starting a family.

I have actively engaged in various volunteer leadership roles at the Wilmot Cancer, St. Thomas More Church and now Rochester Prep Charter School and the Kilian Schmitt Foundation.

Personally, my wife, Caroline, and I have three grown children who have all left the area for college as well as to start their work careers.

I have lived in Rochester, both in the city and the suburbs, for most of my life. I have a degree from Roberts Wesleyan College in religion and philosophy, and I currently work for the Volunteers of America as a case manager for families who receive the Shelter Plus Care housing grant.

I live in the town of Chili with my husband and my sons, Gavin and Troy. Spending time with them is my favorite thing to do. My husband, Scott, owns a small sales and marketing company.

I love Rochester and am actively involved in the community. I serve on several boards and committees, including the Chili Parks and Recreation Committee. Recently I accepted the role of president of the Monroe County Republican Women (a non party-funded organization). Lastly, I am the director of The Bridge, a developing nonprofit that promotes sustainable homeless outreach efforts and organizes bipartisan discussions on issues related to poverty.

I am passionate about seeking out lasting solutions to poverty and bridging the political and cultural gaps. Find me on Twitter (@annaiseman), Facebook, or in future D&C discussions.

Board of Contributors

I manage an educational project for RIT, and teach as an adjunct professor at Nazareth College and the Warner School of Education. In an earlier life, I directed a modern dance company and worked as a teaching artist in schools. I hold a PhD in education with a focus on arts, curriculum and teaching. My areas of interest are education, politics and the arts. I plan to share perspectives on the current changes taking place in the field of education, and have a special interest in political art. I hope to stimulate good discussions in these areas through blogging and guest interviews.

My name is Makenzie Marino and I'm a 16-year-old junior at Our Lady of Mercy High School. I've been writing since I was 7. Writing is my passion; it's the way I express myself and my creativity. As a member of the board I hope to educate people in Rochester on events going on in our area and also bring to people's attention topics that maybe they'd look over otherwise. Also, I hope to learn things myself and be educated by other board members, and by visitors that will be showing up to the meetings. I hope to bring forth positive energy and educate people around me.

I was born and raised in central New York. I earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport, and now gladly call the Flower City home. I’m a married mother of three young children who keep me on my toes. I write a Blog, From Playgrounds to Politics, which often focuses on hot-button topics as well as about parenting, education, current events, political punditry and entertainment news. I have blogged for the Democrat and Chronicle for several years, focusing local issues and public schools. Follow me on Twitter @Mango1531. As a Board of Contributors member, I hope to write in no-holds-barred style about social topics within our community.

I’m a transplanted New Englander, who has resided with my family in Rochester’s 19th Ward for over 20 years. I left a career in book publishing when I moved from the Boston area, and then got my master’s in education at Nazareth College. I have taught in local schools and am currently an adjunct teacher at The Strong’s National Museum of Play. I write fiction and memoir, volunteer in my neighborhood library, love to travel, coordinate an Exploring Post in health careers, and am a staunch advocate for children.

I retired as Rochester’s commissioner of Community Development in 2009. I’m the co-founder of Eugenio María de Hostos Charter School and serve as the volunteer CEO/chairman of the board. I also serve on five other boards. I was president and CEO of Ibero-American action League from 1993 to 2006. From 1987 to 1990, I owned and operated a Super Duper in the city, and worked briefly as a Spanish teacher. I have a bachelor of science degree in social service administration from SUNY Empire State College and a master’s degree in education from The College at Brockport. I am the author of “Journey of Puerto Rican Jíbaro,” a memoir.

As a life-long resident of Rochester, I am honored and humbled to be selected for the Board of Contributors. It is my hope that through this forum, I will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue that will uplift, inspire and challenge others to contribute to the economic, social, emotional/mental and spiritual health needs of Monroe County’s neediest residents. It is disheartening to me that Rochester is one of the poorest cities in this nation. We all have a part in this universe to offer a hand up and not a hand out. I’m married to my high school sweetheart and we are blessed to share three awesome children.

I work as a shipping and receiving clerk in Rochester. I look forward to being on the Board of Contributors and taking part in discussions of issues facing Rochester in 2014. I intend to add a pragmatic, moderate voice and concentrate on solutions and successes. Beyond the liberal/conservative gridlock there are pragmatic solutions upon which a majority can agree. The moderate majority is not as vocal as extremists to the left and right and this makes moderates easy to ignore. I look forward to being part of the Democrat and Chronicle's effort to contribute to the quality of life in this community.

I grew up in the Rochester area, attended PS35, graduated from Brighton High School, then attended SUNY College at Geneseo and the University of Chicago and earned his PhD at Northwestern University. A lifelong educator, child advocate and bestselling author of books and articles on leadership, collaboration, and education reform, I’ve been a middle school teacher, high school coach, school board member, college professor, dean of education at four universities, distinguished visiting scholar, community-based and regional nonprofit executive, education advisor to Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, and associate superintendent of education for the State of Ohio. I currently am vice president for community programs at the Rochester Area Community Foundation.

As an active Community Member on the Democrat and Chronicle Editorial Board in 2013, and a division sales manager of a consumer company prior to that, I hope to stay involved with current events on the Board of Contributors, weighing in with my unique perspective on issues and headlines in 2014. A former United States Marine Corps Officer, and current retired "East Side Suburbanite," I feel that my "conservative-leaning" voice represents a part of the community that deserves to be heard.

I am a lay associate pastor at Spiritus Christi Church and a nurse of 28 years. In my role as associate pastor, I lead racial justice work, welcome new members and facilitate diversity within our ministeries. I am looking forward to being a board contributor so that I might engage in the conversations and topics this community most cares about to forge unity. It is my hope that, together, we join our visions and perspectives to examine what is, and lean in to shape ultimately what could be. If we do that I am hopeful that we will embody the "One City" Rochester mantra we all envision.

I am a third-year journalism and political science student at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Being a native of Rochester has carved within me a passion for urban life and a desire to fully understand the complexity of the many issues Rochesterians face. I care most about education, youth, race and poverty, and have blogged for the Democrat and Chronicle’s Unite Rochester initiative. I am very excited to be offering my voice through the Board of Contributors and I hope to spark some great conversations with the rest of my community.